THREE months of roadworks are set to begin in Llandrindod Wells next week as work on a new active travel route gets under way.

A consultation on the plans for the project between Llandrindod and Howey has been running online for the last 12 months, and work will begin on Monday, October 24.

This phase will begin at the Auto Palace and continue to just after Grosvenor Road.

The work will see pavements widened and their surfaces improved so they can be be shared by pedestrians and cyclists, while junctions will be amended to give priority to walkers and people on bikes.

The work, commissioned by North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency and funded by Welsh Government, is expected to be completed early in the new year, and traffic lights will be in place throughout.

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At times, parking spaces on Temple Street will be removed, and residents who use them can apply for a short-term permit for the council-owned carpark behind the Auto Palace on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Following consultation and the development of the county’s Active Travel Network Maps, it is exciting to be able to see our next set of active travel schemes in Llandrindod Wells come to fruition,” said Cllr Jackie Carlton, cabinet member for a greener Powys at Powys Council.

“The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation. These routes will improve road, pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly for families walking to and from school.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating at times, especially on busy trunk roads, but the creation of these accessible shared-use routes will ultimately encourage more of us to make shorter journeys, such as our commute to work, school or local shops, by physically active means, like walking or cycling, meaning less cars on the road."

Cllr Charlton added: “The continuation of the widened paths will create a network of safe routes within the town, allowing the community to confidently choose to walk or cycle rather than using the car, improving our health and wellbeing as well as reducing our carbon footprint and going someway to help combat climate change.”

The route will represent a major step forward for the local active travel network, enabling journeys around the town to be on foot or bike.

Care will be taken to avoid works already taking place around the Auto Palace. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.

To apply for a short-term permit, residents should email their name, address and car registration details to activetravelconsultations@powys.gov.uk.